Below is a letter from Pastor Jeff to LCC that was given to everyone at both campuses yesterday...

"We are pleased to announce to you that the LowCountry Community Church – Hilton Head Campus, will soon be known by its new name, Hilton Head Island Community Church!Originally, nearly four years ago, LCC launched the HHI Campus with the goal of building bridges into that specific community, and providing opportunities for people far from God to hear the Gospel. Our original plan for this campus was for it to be a live-feed, video-based teaching venue, with a full worship band and a campus pastor. Pastor Todd Cullen and his wife Cynthia were hand-picked to bring this vision to fruition.

Practically however, we found that our geographic area lacked the technical infrastructure to support a reliable, live video feed at an affordable price, so a number of other message delivery options were explored. We landed on what we believe worked best, which is live teaching every Sunday.

In the same way the delivery of teaching on the Island Campus has evolved, so has our vision of what that church should look like. Under Pastor Todd’s outstanding leadership, and ahead of established milestones, the HHI Campus has become a vibrant, self-sustaining and growing body of Christ that is reaching more and more people every month. Therefore, in every way, they have indeed built strong bridges into the community, and are now able to move forward into the future as a church that LowCountry Community Church has planted, while focusing on Hilton Head Island with their own identity.

While always being sensitive to timing, the fact that the Hilton Head Island Campus is well-led, financially self-sustaining (since May 2010), and leaning into plans for their own facility, means that we are at a natural point for this body of believers to move into autonomy. Of course, this unanimous decision was not made lightly, but was arrived at after much prayer, upon the recommendation of myself, Pastor Todd, and with the full support of the Elders from both campuses.

This step is huge, exciting and definitely God-sized, but the time is now. Therefore, on September 11 (the fourth anniversary of the Island Campus) LowCountry Community Church – Hilton Head will have a new name: Hilton Head Island Community Church (HHICC). In the coming days, we look forward to working closely with our friends there, not just as co-laborers for the King, but with the special pride and affection that comes with being family. And so we now move in relationship from a mother/daughter to a sister/sister type of relationship. While Hilton Head Island Community Church will have their own elder board, name, and distinct identity as a viable, independent church, we will continue to minister together in the following areas: community outreach events, beach baptisms, Serve Weekend, Clothing Connection, mission trips, youth retreats and the Easter Egg Hunt. Pastor Todd and I will exchange pulpits on a periodic basis and our musicians will continue to serve at both churches as needed. Although HHICC will minister within its own uniqueness, the mission, vision, and values will remain the same as always.

On a personal note, I have known Todd since he was 14 years old. I served as his youth pastor. I cannot tell you of the spiritual fatherly pride I take in seeing him grow, mature and be used by God in this manner. While we will continue to serve Christ together, and will maintain our strong friendship, I want to publicly thank Pastor Todd and Cynthia for their hard work, dedication to the Lord, and wish them both, along with Sydney and Sean, nothing but the best in future, as our churches continue ministering together." - Celebrating, Pastor Jeff

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